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Writing Interesting Non-Fiction
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There is way, way to much
to say about this. We'll try to keep it short and useful.
The key is to remember to show, not just tell with your writing.
Here are a few tips.
- Read interesting non-fiction. From National
Geographic to wonderful information books, you can get some great ideas
by reading other writers. In fact, I often find that my writing
sounds better if I read a favorite non-fiction author just before I
write.
- Use your voice. Don't be afraid to let your
humor and personality shine through. Your writing should not
sound like an encyclopedia. Your reader will be more interested
if you are able to share a little about yourself as you share your
information. See I-Search for
some more ideas.
- Craft your lead. Your beginning is very
important. Spend a lot of time on it. How will you carry
your reader on into your topic? Some ideas:
- Use a question
- Use a quotation or dialogue
- Show, don't tell
- Raise a question
- Surprise
- Pay attention to your verbs. Use exciting
actions, not just "is" and "are."
- Weave in similies, metaphors, and
personification. These bring your topic to life in the reader's
mind.
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